Final answer:
A fluke-style anchor holds a recreational boat in place by its arms (flukes) which dig into the sea bed when pulled, creating strong resistance. Elastic lines and stretchers can be used for effective anchoring on irregular sea beds, and a zinc sacrificial anode provides cathodic protection to reduce corrosion.
Step-by-step explanation:
A fluke-style anchor holds a recreational boat in place primarily through its design, which allows the anchor to dig into the sea bed, creating resistance. When the anchor is laid on the sea floor, the arms (flukes) are designed to bury themselves into the substrate when a pulling force is applied to the anchor rode (the line or chain connecting the boat to the anchor). Once buried, the flukes prevent the anchor from moving, thus securing the boat. The effectiveness of a fluke-style anchor depends on the nature of the sea bed, with firm sand or mud offering good holding grounds.
For added security, novel anchoring systems have been developed in which elastic lines with metal hooks allow for easy anchoring to irregular sea beds. The use of a stretcher enables adjustment of the lines' length, ensuring a tight and secure fit for the anchor regardless of the sea bed's conditions.
Additionally, to prevent underwater corrosion of metal parts such as screws and anchors, which can degrade over time, a zinc sacrificial anode may be attached to metal parts. This anode functions through cathodic protection, where it corrodes in place of the anchor or screws, thereby prolonging their lifespan.